MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — It’s one of the most important jobs there is when it comes to people who need help.
Dispatches are often the unsung heroes who work behind the scenes in an emergency. They're the ones who talk to people who call 911and get the right emergency responders to the scene.
'We can console them and get them calmed down before a deputy even gets to their house," said David Marsh, who has worked as a dispatcher in Manatee County for more than 20 years.
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office says there are six openings right now for dispatchers.
They say the statewide shortage of dispatchers could be because of the high stress and long hours.
But many people who have done it for years say the job is very rewarding because they get to help save lives.
"Our citizens don’t often know what they need, they just know they need help. And so it’s up to us to try to keep them calm and reassure them, but gather the important information that our responders need to know," said Carrie Flynn, Director of Communications.
The job requires a high school diploma or G.E.D It involves seven months of training and there is a lot of opportunity for growth. For more information on how to apply for this job click on the Public Safety Telecommunicator in this link.
